Lunchtime in Rome

Lunchtime In Rome
  • 4.1 (20)
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Why do you feel alone? www.lunchtimeinrome.com

  1. 13h ago

    New Format? | Ep. 324

    Pull up a seat at the table — Lunchtime in Rome We’re trying something a little different this week, and we hope you enjoy the fresh take on our conversation style. Episode 324 is loose, fun, and full of the kind of real-life back-and-forth that makes the table feel like home. Jay kicks things off with a hilarious story from the recent baseball team banquet — complete with an on-the-spot sound effects adventure that had everyone cracking up. He also gives a positive update on his alpha-gal journey (those of you who’ve been following along will be glad to hear how the latest treatment went). From there, the conversation flows naturally into one of our favorite topics: food. The crew compares notes on fast food favorites, hidden gems, guilty pleasures, and the eternal debate over sauces, burgers, and fries. Expect plenty of laughs, strong opinions, and maybe a few surprises about where everyone lands on the local (and not-so-local) spots. As always, the episode is warm, relatable, and centered on connection — exactly what we aim for every time we gather at the table. Listen Now Whether you’re catching it live, on YouTube, or on your favorite podcast app, this one’s a good one to throw on while you’re driving, cooking, or just unwinding after a long day. Subscribe so you don’t miss Episode 325, and while you’re at it: * Visit lunchtimeinrome.com to take our Relational Needs Questionnaire * Follow us on social media * Leave a five-star review if you enjoy the show — it really helps! Thanks for sitting with us. We’ll see you next week at the table. Get full access to Lunchtime In Rome Podcast at www.lunchtimeinrome.com/subscribe

    1 hr

  2. May 28

    Hello SUMMER! | Ep. 323

    Pull up a seat at the table—summer is officially here, and the Lunchtime in Rome crew is ready to celebrate! In this week’s episode, Bella is back. She gives everyone an update on her wildly chaotic final stretch of school—including a high-pressure juried theater final that had her performing in three completely different historical styles of acting. You can feel the relief in her voice now that it’s all behind her. From there the conversation turns to the season ahead. The table dives into the big question: What are you looking forward to most this summer? And what, exactly, makes summer feel like summer? Expect plenty of laughter, family banter, and the kind of easy, honest talk that makes this podcast feel like sitting with friends. Of course, no Lunchtime in Rome episode would be complete without food making an appearance. The crew swaps favorite summer eats, classic cookout memories, and at least one wildly creative kitchen experiment that might just become a new family tradition. Whether you’re team hot dog, team burger, team corn-on-the-cob, or somewhere in between, this episode is packed with the simple joys and relational warmth that make the show special. Listen now to Episode 323 – “Hello Summer” wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the full video on YouTube at Lunchtime in Rome. While you’re at it: * Visit lunchtimeinrome.com and take our free Relational Needs Questionnaire * Follow us on social media for more summer vibes and behind-the-scenes moments * Leave a five-star review if the show makes your day brighter—we’d love it! See you at the table next week for Episode 324. Happy summer, friends! 🌞 Get full access to Lunchtime In Rome Podcast at www.lunchtimeinrome.com/subscribe

    54 min
  3. Do I Love Well? | Ep. 322

    May 21

    Do I Love Well? | Ep. 322

    Photo by Everton Vila on Unsplash Are you a loving person? It’s one of those questions we rarely stop and ask ourselves out loud. We’re all just trying to make it through the day—juggling work, family, health struggles, yard work, and the occasional squirrel invasion. But what if we paused long enough to wonder: How do I actually know if I’m loving well? In this week’s episode of Lunchtime in Rome, the table dives into exactly that. Jay, Eric (Big Guy), and Mary Lynn share honest updates from their week—everything from a perfect Kennywood day and a surprise hawk sighting to alpha-gal syndrome battles, garden mulching hacks, and a very determined turkey guarding a bird feeder. The crew sends Brian birthday wishes from afar, and the conversation flows exactly like it does when good friends gather. Then the real question hits: How do we measure love? Not the warm-and-fuzzy feeling, but the actual doing. The crew walks through a simple, practical three-level barometer that will make you think twice the next time you wonder if you’re showing up for the people around you. They also talk through a couple of important caveats—because sometimes what looks like love isn’t actually love at all. As always, the episode is equal parts real life, laughter, and heart. You’ll hear about: * A rite-of-passage roller-coaster ride that still has Eric smiling * The surprising joy of DoorDash mulch delivery * Why old-school Pizza Hut still hits different (and whether it’s coming back near you) * Nate Bargatze’s latest family-friendly projects that have everyone talking Pull up a seat. Grab a cup of coffee (or a Halls cough drop, if you’re still recovering from last week). And come wrestle with one of the most important questions any of us can ask: Do I love well? Listen to Episode 322 now wherever you get your podcasts—or watch the full video on YouTube. While you’re at it, head over to lunchtimeinrome.com and take the free Relational Needs Questionnaire. It’s a great way to keep the conversation going long after the episode ends. And if you love what you hear, please leave us a five-star review and share the episode with someone who might need the reminder that love is less about how we feel and more about how we show up. See you at the table next week for Episode 323. Get full access to Lunchtime In Rome Podcast at www.lunchtimeinrome.com/subscribe

    51 min
  4. Nostalgia with Joe Cap | Ep. 321

    May 7

    Nostalgia with Joe Cap | Ep. 321

    Pull up a seat at the table—because this week on Lunchtime in Rome, we’re diving headfirst into that warm, fuzzy feeling we all chase: nostalgia. Host Jay is joined by Mary Lynn and special guest Joe Cap (Giuseppe Capobianco), a lifelong Penn Hills guy, baseball coach, and someone who genuinely appreciates where he came from. What starts as the usual catching-up—life updates, a few classic pet peeves, and family wins—quickly turns into a heartfelt, hilarious trip down memory lane. Joe shares his story: growing up on High Point Drive, the tight-knit Italian-American family life, coaching at Penn Hills, and what it means to pour everything into the next generation of kids wearing the Indian uniform. But the real magic happens when the conversation shifts to the big question: If you had a time machine and only two hours to spend back in Penn Hills, where would you go and what would you do? The answers come fast and funny—childhood adventures in the woods, bike rides that lasted all day, corner-store candy runs, legendary local spots, Sunday dinners, and the exact foods that still make mouths water. From Dairy Delight runs to backyard catches with Dad, the table is full of laughter, “I can still smell it” moments, and that shared recognition that things really were different back then. It’s equal parts funny, touching, and relatable—whether you grew up in Penn Hills or just love remembering simpler times. Joe’s humility, the crew’s easy banter, and the way the conversation flows from modern-day life straight back to the glory days make this one of those episodes you don’t want to end. We even sneak in a quick look at Joe’s results from our Relational Needs Questionnaire (and yes, there may be a theory or two about why they turned out the way they did). If you appreciate where you came from, miss the days of playing outside until the streetlights came on, or just want to smile at stories that feel like home, this episode is for you. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts (or watch on YouTube).First-time listeners: subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and visit lunchtimeinrome.com to take the Relational Needs Questionnaire yourself. See you at the table next week for Episode 322. Until then… rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn, and maybe take a minute to remember the good old days. Lunchtime in Rome — because it’s always 12:15 somewhere. Get full access to Lunchtime In Rome Podcast at www.lunchtimeinrome.com/subscribe

    1h 7m
  5. So Many Cultures | Ep. 320

    Apr 30

    So Many Cultures | Ep. 320

    Welcome everyone and pull up a seat at the table. It’s Lunchtime in Rome. Tonight’s episode 320 is entitled “So many cultures”. We all have hobbies and pastimes. Each one has its own culture and even subcultures. Some are very surprising. Why is that? We’ll be talking about that at The Table this evening. Pull up a seat at the table and join us! Get full access to Lunchtime In Rome Podcast at www.lunchtimeinrome.com/subscribe

    1 hr

  6. Apr 23

    You're FIRED! | Ep. 319

    Pull up a seat at the table for Episode 319 of Lunchtime in Rome, titled “You’re Fired!” Have you ever been fired?Was it completely justified?Total BS?Or one of those stories that’s actually hilarious in hindsight? This week, Jay and Ben are joined by special guest Kelly Anker (owner of Kindred Curls and longtime friend of the show) for a candid, heartfelt conversation about getting the boot. They read listener-submitted stories that run the full gamut—from laugh-out-loud “I had it coming” moments to situations that still sting years later. True to the spirit of the show (and Romans 12:15), they rejoice with those who can laugh about it and mourn with those who still feel the pain. Expect empathy, zero judgment, plenty of Penn Hills flavor, and the kind of real-talk banter that makes you feel like you’re right there at the table with them. The episode also includes life updates, some local shout-outs, and a lively (and surprisingly competitive) debate about what counts as a true spring food to close things out. Whether you’ve ever been handed a pink slip yourself, watched someone else get walked out, or you’re just here for the relatable workplace drama, this one delivers laughs, solidarity, and a few “wait… they actually did that?!” moments. Don’t miss it.Listen on your favorite podcast app, watch on YouTube, or head straight to lunchtimeinrome.com to catch the full episode. While you’re on the site, take our free Relational Needs Questionnaire—it’s a great way to learn more about yourself and the people you love. Drop your own firing story (or your best “I can’t believe they fired me for that” tale) in the comments or on social media. We read every one. See you at the table next week for Episode 320! Get full access to Lunchtime In Rome Podcast at www.lunchtimeinrome.com/subscribe

    1h 3m
  7. The Best and Worst of Weddings | Ep. 318

    Apr 16

    The Best and Worst of Weddings | Ep. 318

    Pull up a seat at the table—it’s wedding season, and we’re diving into all the traditions, trends, and opinions that come with it. In this episode, the crew sit down for their first podcast as a married couple (right after their own wedding and honeymoon in Thailand!). They share a bit about married life so far—the exhaustion, the highlights, and that “first touch” moment that replaced the traditional first look. From there, the conversation opens up to the bigger question: What are the best and worst wedding traditions? Listeners weighed in with strong takes on everything from cookie tables (a Pittsburgh classic!) and fire hall receptions to unity candles, garter tosses, money dances, and who should (or shouldn’t) walk the bride down the aisle. Some love keeping things traditional and faith-centered, while others push for modern twists that reflect changing family dynamics and personal values. We also touch on creative venues—from beaches and barns to scenic overlooks and beyond—and debate the “wedding industrial complex” that can turn a simple celebration into a major production. Plus, there’s plenty of real-talk about what actually makes a wedding memorable: the people, the food, the vibe, and keeping the focus on the couple (and their guests). No right or wrong answers here—just honest opinions, a few laughs, and some thoughtful reflections on what it means to celebrate love while inviting others into the marriage itself. Whether you’re planning a wedding, recently tied the knot, or just love people-watching at receptions, this episode is packed with relatable stories and perspectives that might make you rethink a few traditions of your own. Listen now on your favorite podcast app, watch on YouTube, or head to lunchtimeinrome.com for more. While you’re there, take our Relational Needs Questionnaire and join the conversation. What’s one wedding tradition you love—or love to hate? Drop it in the comments! Get full access to Lunchtime In Rome Podcast at www.lunchtimeinrome.com/subscribe

    56 min

  8. Mar 26

    It's Simple, Not Easy | Ep. 317

    Meeting Emotional Needs in Real Life Pull up a seat at the table for Episode 317 of Lunchtime in Rome. This week, Jay and Rachel experienced a meaningful “aha” moment in their marriage—one that reinforced a core truth the podcast has explored for years: meeting each other’s emotional needs is straightforward in theory, but far from simple in practice. The conversation begins with the usual heartfelt catch-up at the table. Chris shares the challenges of a recent house move compounded by weeks of illness, while Jay and Eric reflect on the success of a recent Young Life banquet (complete with trivia, testimonies, and a strong community turnout). There are plenty of laughs, shout-outs to friends who stepped up, and honest talk about showing up for one another when it matters most. Then the focus shifts to the heart of the episode: a real-life relational tension between Jay and Rachel. What started as a conversation about a minor health concern quickly revealed deeper layers around respect, security, comfort, and the challenge of truly joining one another in vulnerability. Jay opens up about a recent “revelation” they had together—one that highlights why the principles we discuss on the show (being open, honest, and vulnerable; keeping Christ at the center; and practicing mutual giving) sound so obvious… yet prove surprisingly difficult to live out in the moment. As always, the guys keep it real: emotions run high, old patterns surface, and grace is required. They explore how even longtime couples can misstep when both partners need their needs met at the same time—and what it looks like to move beyond keeping score toward genuine, intentional care. The episode wraps with lighter fare, including a fun question about cooking equipment and styles the guys might want to explore next (Blackstone griddles? Sous vide? Ethiopian food? Smash burgers?). It’s the perfect mix of vulnerability, practical insight, and the camaraderie that makes Lunchtime in Rome feel like sitting with friends. Why Listen? If you’ve ever thought, “This relationship stuff should be simple… so why is it so hard?” this episode will resonate. Jay’s transparency about his own marriage offers encouragement that growth is possible—even when it’s not easy. Key takeaway teased: Sometimes the most profound relational breakthroughs come not from grand gestures, but from slowing down, listening well, and choosing to meet your spouse’s (or friend’s) need even when your own is screaming for attention. Episode 317 – “It’s Simple, Not Easy” is now available on your favorite podcast app, YouTube, or at lunchtimeinrome.com. While you’re there, take the Relational Needs Questionnaire to discover more about your own emotional needs—and consider becoming a supporter to help keep these conversations going. Have you faced a moment where the “right” relational response felt obvious but incredibly hard to execute? Drop a comment below or share on social media—we’d love to hear your thoughts. We strive to love one another and help you do the same. See you at the table for Episode 318! Get full access to Lunchtime In Rome Podcast at www.lunchtimeinrome.com/subscribe

    1h 2m
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4.1
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Why do you feel alone? www.lunchtimeinrome.com

Information

  • Creator
    Lunchtime In Rome
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    326
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Lunchtime In Rome
  • Show Website
    Lunchtime in Rome